1984? The Nanny State? I’m All For It

The UK is taking its network of 4.2 million CCTV cameras a step further: disembodied recorded voices haranguing errant citizens via loudspeaker. It sounds awful, I know, but every time I visit my home town (one of the 20 towns where the system will be installed) I’m horrified at the behaviour and disregard for public facilities. So while the idea of children’s voices barking out instructions across Abington Street might seem more like Orwell or Pol Pot than tranquil England, if it stops people behaving badly in public, so be it.

The home secretary said competitions were being held at schools in many of the areas for children to become the voice of the cameras.

“By funding and supporting these local schemes, the government is encouraging children to send this clear message to grown ups – act anti-socially and you will face the shame of being publicly embarrassed,” Mr Reid added.